"Tz 



WILLIS STEELL 



THE 

PROSPECTOR 




A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 



Walter H. Baker 6 Co„ Boston 






THE AMAZONS ^^^^^ ^^ Three Acts. Seren males, five females. 
Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays 
a full evening. 

THE CABINET MINISTER farcem Four Acts. Ten males nine 

females. Costumes, modern society ; 
scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

DANDY DIGIT -^^^^^ ^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. 
Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays 
two hours and a half. 

THF fiAY LORD OIIEX ^^^^^^y^^^^^-^^ts. Four males, ten 

ILL/ L( x ^ females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, 

two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. 

HK HniTQP IW ni>DFD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, four 
fll3 nUU3U in VI{Um females. Costumes, modern; scenery, 
three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THF HORRT HORSF Co^^^y ^^ Three Acts. Ten males, five 
females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. 
Plays two hours and a half. 

IRIS I^^^ama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, 
modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening, 

I ADY ROIINTIFIII ^^^^ ^^ Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe- 
Lt un VI4 jQales. Costumes, modem ; scenery, four in- 

teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. 

I PTTV ^^^™* ^^ Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five fe- 
^ males. Costumes, modern ; scenery complicated. Plays a 

full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Salter ^. l$afeet: & Company 

Ifo. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



THE PROSPECTOR 



THE PROSPECTOR 

A Comedy in Three Acts 



By 
WILLIS STEELL 

Author of ''The Firm of Cunningham,'' ''A Bride 

from Home,'' ''The Morning After the Play," 

"Brother Dave," "Faro Nell," etc. 



All rights reserved. Performance forbidden and right of representation 
reserved. Application for the right to produce this play must be made to 
the author, who may be addressed at Islip, Long Island, N. Y. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
1912 



THE PROSPECTOR 




Copyright, 191 2, by Willis Steell 
As Author and Proprietor 

A/l rights reserved 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 

The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. 
Performance is strictly forbidden unless his express consent 
or that of his agent has first been obtained, and attention is 
called to the penalties provided by law for any infringement of 
his rights, as follows : — 

"Sec. 4966: — Any person publicly performing or representing any 
dramatic or musical composition for which copyright has been obtained, 
without the consent of the proprietor of said dramatic or musical composi- 
tion, or his heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such 
damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred 
dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as 
to the court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and rep- 
resentation be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be guilty 
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a period not 
exceeding one year." — U. S. Revised Statutes, Title bo. Chap. 3. 

The right to perform this play professionally may be obtained 
by addressing the author, at Is Up, Long Island, N. Y. Ama- 
teurs may produce it on payrr*ent of a royalty of ten dollars for 
each performance, also payable to him in advance. All corre- 
spondence in regard to stage-right should be addressed to him. 



gClD 28776 



THE PROSPECTOR 



CHARACTERS 



Tom Preston, the prospector. 

Walter Shede {^pronounced Sha-dy), 

Robert Emmett McGowan. 

Charlton, of the Charlton Construction Co* 

Dr. Manning. 

Mr. Jenks, an agent, 

Felicia Kelso. 

Kate Carew, 



The Prospector 



ACT I 

SCENE.— Office of the Universal Provident and Pro- 
gressive Company, a small dingy room with two 
windows at back overlooking a court; a door L. 
from the hall, and a door r., opposite, marked 
' * Private Office, ' ' Near this door is a wash-stand 
and a letter copying press. Left of this door stands 
a flat'topped desk littered with papers. On a deal 
table between the windows are sample tins of 
coffee, beans, rubber, etc. ; also piles of circulars 
arranged in order. Maps showing Central Amer- 
ica. South America, Texas, are on the walls and big 
calendars with dates marked in red splashes. It is 
about nine A. m. _ x^ 

\At the rise the office boy, Robert Emmett 
McGowAN, is seen dusting the two old leather 
chairs and the straight-back wooden chair 
which constitute the furniture. He rum- 
mages on the desk and finds a box which 
contains one cigar. He is about to take it 
when his heart fails him and he puts it 
back. At the sound of a footstep he goes 
quickly away from the desk, but when it is 
followed by a knock, he grins, sits at the 
desk and calls gruffly. 
7 



8 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 

Come in. 

\Enter Kate Carew. 

Kate. 
{^Consulting a slip of newspaper.'] Is this the office 
of the U. P. & P. Co. ? 



It is. 




Robert. 




Kate. 
I am looking for the president, 


Mr. 


Preston. 




Robert. 




Yes,— Mr. 


Preston. 


Kate. 




Well? 




Robert. 





Kate. 
{Doubtfully,'] Are you Mr. Preston? 

Robert. 
Um — did you come for the typewriter's job ? 

Kate. 
{Looks at her slip.] Typewriter and stenographer 
the advertisement calls for. I can take stenographic 
notes, but I haven't had much practice. 



THE PROSPECTOR 9 

Robert. 
That's bad ; you see we need an expert. 

Kate. 
But I can take dictation on the machine quite 
rapidly — really ! If you will give me a letter to 
try 

Robert. 
What experience have you had ? 

Kate. 
Experience ? I'm sorry to say 

Robert. 
Who did you work for last ? 

Kate. 
I've never had a position. I've never looked for 
one before. 

Robert. 
Um — um — I'm afraid we can't take any one to 
raise. Our business is so important and so various in 
its ramfinications 

Kate. 
Ramfinications ? 

Robert. 
\^Goes to her.'\ That's what I said. I did, too. 
Say, would you want much time for lunch ? 

Kate. 
{Puzzled, 1 I don't think I should. 



10 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
You wouldn't give a man away, would you, if he 
happened to stay out over his time ? 

Kate. 
Of course I wouldn't. 

Robert. 
You don't look like a squealer. If I was the 
boss 

Kate. 
\Interrupting.'\ I didn't really think you were 

Robert. 
{^Interrupting,'] Fd give you the job sure. It's six 
dollars a week. 

Kate. 
Only that ! 

Robert. 

Why, I — I began at three dollars and see where I've 
got to. Want to see ? 

Kate. 
Of course I do. 

Robert. 
[^Nears to pile of circulars and points out names on 
it to herj] Sussex and Essex Potato Crop Co. — 
** Among the directors of this enterprising organiza- 
tion we number several eminent agriculturists, among 
others Mr. Robert Emmett McGowan." That's me I 



THE PROSPECTOR II 

Kate. 
Think of that ! 

Robert. 
Too bad you're a girl or he'd put your name up 
too — mebbe he will anyhow. What is your name? 

Kate. 

Miss Carew — but I don't know a thing about 
potatoes. 

Robert. 

Neither do I. \He listens, '\ There he comes now — 
that's him, 

Kate. 

Mr. Preston? 

[Robert nods^ gets duster and begins to dust 
desks. Enter Tom Preston, followed by a 
man who has the air of a collector, 

Tom. 
I remember you perfectly, Mr. Jenks. Come in, 
sir, come in. I understand that you are interested in 
the Germantown Oriental Rug Company — let me give 
you a circular. \^ffe chooses one from the pile on the 
deal table and hands it to Mr. Jenks.] You will find 
by reading this circular, Mr. Jenks, that we are manu- 
facturing in this country a rug that in durability, 
beauty of design and coloring rivals the carpets in the 
palace of the Shah himself Why should this great 
people go to the Orient for its floor coverings ? Why 
should it pay fabulous sums for the crooked mats, the 
rejected seconds of the looms of a heathen country 



12 THE PROSPECTOR 

when Germantown But you will find this ex- 
pressed far better in the circular. The shares of the 
company are held at a ridiculously low price, fifty 
cents, — a block of one hundred can be subscribed for 
now and will be delivered upon receipt of one dollar 
— the remainder to be paid for in easy terms. I've 
handled the stock of a good many companies, Mr. 
Jenks, but I tell you candidly I have never felt so con- 
fident about the success of any enterprise as I feel 
about the Germantown Oriental Rug Company. Its 
success is miraculous, marvelous — inside of a year the 
company will declare a dividend — I am conservative 
when I put the figure at twelve per cent. [Mr. Jenks 
has kept backing toward the door, ''^o^i following him. 
At the door Mr. Jenks thrusts a paper into Tom's 

hand,'] What the ? Oh, yes, the rent; I had 

forgotten in the press of business, of course. I'll mail 
you a check to-day, Mr. Jenks, as soon as I've looked 
through my correspondence. You needn't bother to 
call. [Mr. Jenks backs out ; exit.] Good-morning, 
good-morning. [He turns,] Hulloa, Bobbie ! On the 
job? 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. Good-morning, sir. 

Tom. 
[Goes to his d£sk,] Anybody in? 

Robert. 
\_Designating Kate.] Miss Carew, sir. 

Tom. 
\^Turns,] Miss Carew ? [He takes off his hat and 
bows,] I beg your pardon. 



THE PROSPECTOR 1 3 

Kate. 
Is this Mr. Preston ? 

Tom. 
Yes ; did you wish to see me ? 

Kate. 
{^Nervously, '\ I came 

Robert. 
\Impatiently,'\ It's about the ad for a typewriter. 

Tom. 
[^Incredulously, ] Oh — you 

Robert. 
AVell, that's what you came for, ain't it ? 

Kate. 
I really would like to have it if you haven't engaged 
anybody else. 

Tom. 

[Stammers,^ I haven't — and if I had, and if 
you 

Kate. 

I can take dictation quite fast, really, on the 
machine 

Tom. 

You wouldn't have to take mine so very fast. 
Won't you sit down, Miss Carew? Please do, and 
let's talk this over. [Kate sits.'] You're sure it isn't 
a joke? 



14 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
I don't understand you 



Tom. 
Somebody hasn't sent you for a lark? You're 
serious ? 

Kate. 

I'm serious about wanting the position if I am able 
to fill it. 

Tom. 

That part of it's all right, you needn't worry about 
that. If you want a place in my office you can have 
it ; that goes. 

Kate. 
It's awfully good of you — I never imagined it was 
so easy to get a position before 

Tom. 
I guess you never tried before. 

Kate. 
No, I never did. 

Tom. 
Well, that's the answer. 

Kate. 
Cy^Jt/^^d'-] Then I'm engaged ! 

Tom. 
I wish you were — I mean, you are, to me. 



THE PROSPECTOR 1 5 

Kate. 
But you'll give me a dictation to see what I can do ? 

Tom. 
Not a bit necessary. 

Kate. 
Oh, but it is — I expected it, and I*ve been prac- 
ticing night and day. Where shall I sit, in this room 
or in the private office ? 

Tom. 

Not in the private office ; right here. [Robert bursts 
out laughing.'] What's the matter? Run outside if 
you are going to have a fit. I ought to tell you, 
Miss Carew, that this is at present a young and strug- 
gling concern. I don't want you to get your hopes 
too high. 

Kate. 
About the compensation, do you mean ? 

Tom. 

[Embarrassed,] Would — would twenty-five dollars 
a week seem adequate ? 

Kate. 
[Astonished, ] Adequate ? 

Tom. 
lAnxiously,] I mean for a starter. 

Robert. 
[Near the door,] Twenty-five dollars ! Whew 1 



1 6 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
\AngrilyJ\ Go and throw it in the hall. 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. \^He goes out, 

Tom. 
I haven't heard your answer. 

Kate. 

I know I wouldn't be worth anything hke so much 
at first. 

Tom. 

The salary list is up to me. 

Kate. 

I haven't had any business experience. This will 
be my first place. 

Tom. 

I'm glad of that. 

Kate. 
How funny ! 

Tom. 

Not at all ; you can learn our ways, and not unlearn 
somebody else's ways. 

Kate. 
There is something in that, — like a singing teacher? 

Tom. 
Er, — yes. I suppose so. 



THE PROSPECTOR 1/ 

Kate. 
[^Worried,'] Shall I start at once? 

Tom. 
\_Eagerly.'\ Oh — will you? 

Kate. 

I came prepared to stay if I succeeded in getting the 
place; shall I take my coat off? 

Tom, 
\FoUowi7ig her,'\ Do, and your hat, too. 

Kate. 
\Takes them off, touches her hair.'\ There, where 
shall I put them ? \She looks about for a closet, 

Tom. 
Let me have them, please. 

Kate. 
But it doesn't seem right. 

Tom. 

\Takes them, goes to the private office. '\ It is right, 

perfectly right. 

Kate. 
\_Follows ivith her eyes, but cannot see inside, ^^ In 
the private office ! [Tom comes back.'] Now what shall 
I do first ? 

Tom. 
I don't know. 



l8 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
You don't know ! Aren't there any letters? \She 
goes to machine and looks at //.] It isn't exactly like 
mine; I'm a little nervous with a new machine. 

Tom. 
[Follows her,'] A little nervous, — I'm a whole lot 
nervous ! [Kate turns,'] Do you know how to put 
the paper in ? 

Kate. 
Oh, are you going to give me a letter at once ? 

Tom. 

Not if you don't want me to. Perhaps you'd rather 
talk. 

Kate. 
About the business ? I ought to know what kind it 
is, oughtn't I? Are you a promoter? 

Tom. 
Not a bit like it. 

Kate. 

I thought when you were talking to that gentle- 
man 

Tom. 

I'm a prospector. 

Kate. 

[Puzzled.] Oh ! 



THE PROSPECTOR 19 

Tom. 
You thought all prospectors were exiled to the min- 
ing camps, the gold fields. I thought so once myself 
and went there when I left Kankakee. 

Kate. 
Kankakee ? 

Tom. 
My native town. I broke away young and went 
out West — way out. I learned to grub for likely 
pockets of the yellow metal, I learned panning, sluic- 
ing ; oh, yes, I got the motions down fine. By the time 
I had forgotten what my chin looked like, the idea 
suddenly occurred to me that I was working at the 
wrong end and I shouldered my pick and beat it for 
the gold fields of New York. 

Kate. 
Here? 

Tom. 
Right here. The ores I've struck haven't averaged 
very high to the ton, the pockets are hard to discover 
and harder to open, but I'm prospecting every day 
and I'll strike it rich yet. You keep your eye on 
me ! 

Kate. 
I will. 

TOM. 

[ With a change of toneJ\ You'll put me down for a 
pilgrim hearing me preach like this, I don't know 
what started me off. 



20 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
I did ; I wanted to hear all about the business. 
Now I understand it. 

Tom. 
[Admiringly,'] Do you ? Then you beat me. Sup- 
pose you copy this on a sheet, if you care to. 

[Enter Walter Shede, carrying a dress suit 
case, 

Kate. 
Certainly. [She begins ; he stands near her. 

Walter. 
Hulloa, Tom ! — Oh, I beg pardon. 

Tom. 
[Turns ; goes to him,] Is that you, Walt ? I mean, 
Mr. Shede. 

Walter. 
Excuse me ; I stopped in on my way to the train. 
[/;/ a loud whisper.] I say, old man, — a winner ! 

Tom. 
On your way? Don't let me keep you. 

[Kate sits at typewriter and puts paper in ; 
taps the keys, 

Walter. 

You don't mean that she ? [He strikes typewriter 
keys in pantomime, Tom nods.] Got a job here for 
me? I'll take anything. 



THE PROSPECTOR 21 

Tom. 
Nothing doing. 

Walter. 
\^Turns to where he ca?i see Kate's face.'\ I never 
noticed the kind of outlook you had here 

Tom. 

[^Barring the way."] 'Tain't a lookout, it's a put 
out ! 

Walter. 

Hog ! And I came here to make a proposition ! 

Tom. 
Business ? 

Walter. 
I want you to go in with me. 

Tom. 
Bucket shop ? None in mine. 

Walter. 
Bucket shop gone, — past, — a memory. 

Tom. 
Ho? When? 

Walter. 
I tried to run a bucket shop on the square ; it ran 
me out. What you see on me and in this bag, which 
by the way I want to leave here while I make a call, 
is my real estate, personal property, total assets. 



22 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

Cleaned up, eh, like the vacuum process. Tm 
damned sorry, Walt, old man. 

Walter. 
I'm on my way to ask my aunt who owns the street 
railway system of Philadelphia and who keeps money 
in her bedroom besides, to set me up in a bank — 
bankers and brokers, you know. I've got some clients 
and if you'll go in with me we'll make it go. 

Tom. 

[Points to deal table of circulars,'] How can I? — 
How about these ? 

Walter. 
Pink balloons, that fly only when you fill them with 
hot air. 

Tom. 

[ Offended. ] That's what you think. 

Walter. 
Wait till we're legitimate bankers and see if you'll 
lend money on them. 

Tom. 
[Grandly.'] Why, my boy, there's more money, 
easier money in one of these schemes, not one of 
which promises less than twelve per cent. 

Walter. 
Tut— tut. 



THE PROSPECTOR 23 

Tom. 
Besides, the narrow, humdrum Hfe of a banker with 
real money to lend doesn't appeal to me. I'm a 
prospector. 

Walter. 
You're an ass. 

Tom. 
Oh, come now, don't get brotherly. As I was just 
telling Miss Carew Damn ! 

Walter. 

\yery loudly, '\ It is Miss Carew. I didn't think I 
could be mistaken, Miss Carew ! 

Kate. 
\Rises and turns J\ Mr. Shede, how do you do? 

Walter. 

[Advances and offers his hand.'] Awfully good of 
you not to forget me. But I didn't know you were 
here. 

Kate. 
\^Gaily,'] I haven't been here long. 

Walter. 
I didn't even know you were acquainted with Mr. 
Preston. 

Tom. 
Every hour adds to your little store of knowledge. 



24 THE PROSPECTOR 

Walter. 
Tm glad though, for I believe I can get you to in- 
fluence him to accept my proposition. 

Tom. 
I'm more than ever resolved to decline it. 

Walter. 

And Tm bound you shan't more than ever now. 
Miss Carew will side with me. 

Kate. 
What about ? 

Walter. 
He's too good a boy to waste his time with these 
little kites. If I get capital I want him to go in with 

me in a legitimate business. 

Kate. 
Oh, isn't this a legitimate business? 

Tom. 
Isn't it? 

Walter. 
It is a shade better than green goods. 

Tom. 
Or bucket shops. 

Kate. 
The combination of cloth and household utensils 
makes me look for women customers. 

\E71ter Felicia Kelso, followed by Robert. 



THE PROSPECTOR 2$ 

Walter. 
Here is one. 

Tom. 
l^Going to her,'] Miss Kelso. 

Walter. 
A regular customer, I guess. 

\_They talk near Kate^s desk. 

Felicia. 
How do you do, Mr. Preston ? Isn't mother here? 

Tom. 
No, Miss Kelso. 

Felicia. 
She was to try to meet me here. I left her at the 
Surrogate's ; more doing about papa's will, but it will 
be settled soon. Then I have something to say to 
you. 

TOM. 

That's nice. 

Felicia. 
You don't know how nice it is. Who are these? 

TOM. 

Walter Shede, a friend of mine, and Miss Carew. 

Felicia. 
Miss Carew, — who's she? 



26 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
He knows her; I don't, except in a business way. 

Felicia. 
Is she going into one of your companies ? 

Tom. 
Good lord, no ! She's going to be here in the 
office. 

Felicia. 
Oh, a clerk. I ought to wait here for mother, but 
she may be detained ever so long. Your friend is 
going. 

Walter. 
\_Comes to them,'] I'm off to call on a man, Tom. 
I'll be back for my case. Will it be in your way ? 

Tom. 

Miss Kelso, may I present my friend, Mr. Shede ? 
We're old friends. \_Iie goes to Kate's desk, 

Walter. 

[^B owing.'] He's told me a lot about you, Miss 
KeJso. 

Felicia. 

Has he ? He's never mentioned your name. 

Walter. 
Oh, Tm of no interest to him. 

Tom. 
[Presents Kate.] Miss Carew, Miss Kelso. 

[Kate bows. 



THE PROSPECTOR 2/ 

Felicia. 
{Condescendingly J\ Oh, how do you do? 

Walter. 
I hate to break up this pleasant party, but — business. 
Good-morning, all. {Exit. 

Felicia. 
I've such a lot to say to you, Tom, but I must say 
it in private. 

Tom. 
Well, there's nobody here. 

Felicia. 
Hoi 

\She points to Robert and KLate, who has 
stepped back to her desk, 

Tom. 

Here, Bobbie, you take this suit-case into the private 
ofifice and remain there till I call you. [Robert makes 
wry face as he obeys.'] Miss Carew is my confidential 
secretary. Fire ahead. 

Felicia. 
Perhaps it would be better to talk it over to-night. 

Tom. 
To-night? 

Felicia. 
You hadn't forgotten that you are to dine with us 
to-night and go to the theatre afterwards ? You asked 
us last week. 



28 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Did I? Why, certainly. What made you think 
I'd forgotten? 

Felicia. 
\^Goes up to deal table. 'I Which one of these com- 
panies is the most promising ? 

Tom. 
They're all promising. I never saw a company yet 
that wasn't promising. 

Felicia. 
{Picking up a circular. '\ Sussex and Essex Potato 
Crop Company. Faugh ! I won't have anything to 
do with that. 

Tom. 
It's small, but don't scorn it — that company has 
leased the finest potato belt in the whole world — they 
are going to grow potatoes, that for size and flavor 

Felicia. 
Perhaps — but I'm not interested in potatoes, 

Tom. 
You might be in their dividends. Potatoes will 
certainly declare a dividend of twelve per cent, in this 
year, and that's no joke. 

Felicia. 
How about this Rug Company ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 29 

Tom. 
Now, there you put your hand on a mine of wealth. 
This country is going to make its own Oriental rugs, 
instead of disinfecting them from the East. I'm clos- 
ing up a block of stock for a gentleman who was in 
here this morning, a Mr. Jenks ; he believes as I do in 
the great future of the Germantown Oriental 

Felicia. 
Will it pay twelve per cent. ? 

Tom. 

Couldn't help it. 

Felicia. 

That is the company I shall advise mother to 
invest in. 

Tom. 

What? 

Felicia. 
She's got five thousand dollars, or soon will have, 
lying idle, and I've told her she must go into one of 
your companies. She is willing, and which one de- 
pends on you. 

Tom. 
Oh! 

Felicia. 
[^Looking over list.'] Rugs, potatoes, rubber, coffee, 
rice, cement, there's a good selection. She'll go with 
any one you advise. 



30 THE PROSPECTOR 



Tom. 



{^Protesting.'] But I don't advise her to go into any 
of them — I never did. 

Felicia. 
What? Don't you want her? 

Tom. 
No. 

Felicia. 
What do you mean ? Don't you want mother to 
make a good investment ? How queer ! 

Tom. 
It isn't that; my companies are good, gilt-edged 
when it comes to that, but I don't hke to sell stock to 
a friend, and a woman, too ! 

Felicia. 
\_Off ended. 1 If they are all that you claim, it's very 
selfish to want to keep her out. 

Tom. 
But don't you understand ? There's an element of 
risk. 

Felicia. 
You said any of them would pay twelve per cent. 
The very highest mother gets for any of her money is 
four per cent. I think you're real mean. 

Tom. 
I'm sorry, but that is my principle ; I never do 
business with a friend. 



THE PROSPECTOR 31 

Felicia. 
Mother's quite determined and so am I. What is 
five thousand dollars ? 

Tom. 
What is it? Just at this minute I don't know what 
it is. 

Felicia. 
To her, I mean. 

Tom. 
I don't suppose she'd want to lose it. 

Felicia. 
There ! I've heard you say a hundred times that 
people who invest in one of your companies never go 
wrong ! 

Tom. 
They don't, that is, not often, — but, — it's differ- 



ent ■ 



[Robert falls gasping in from door of private 
office. 

Kate. 
\Runs to him,'\ Oh, what is it ? What is it ? 

Robert. 
[ Weakly, '\ Air ! Air ! Give me air. 

Tom. 
[Runs to wash'Stand.'\ Give him water. 



32 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
What has happened ? Why did you faint, you poor 
boy ? Are you better ? 

Tom. 
Here, drink this. \_He holds a glass to Robert's 
lips. Shuts door of private office. Turns to Felicia.] 
Miss Kelso, I'm afraid 

Felicia. 

How distressing ! Is he subject to such fits ? You 
should get rid of him. 

Tom. 
Go on down-stairs and fill your lungs with air. 
He'll be all right in a minute. [Robert exits from 
room."] Recollect I said air, not cigarette smoke. 

Robert. 
\_Goitig.'] Yes, sir. \_Exit. 

Tom. 
To-day isn't the time and this office isn't the place 
to discuss these business affairs. 

Felicia. 
It's a business office, isn't it? 

Tom. 
Yes, but I can't stand excitement. My heart's 
weak. Five thousand dollars ! 

Felicia* 
You can't keep mother out of your companies; 
your opposition will only make her more determined. 



THE PROSPECTOR 33 

Robert. 
[^Reenters quickly,'] The gentlemen, Mr. Preston, 
about the Montezuma Rubber Commission. 

Tom. 
ril have to see them. Will you excuse me, Miss 
Kelso? 

Felicia. 
I am going. I may come back later with mother. 

Tom. 
Don't. I can't take your mother's money. That's 
flat. 

Felicia. 
We'll discuss that to-night. Were you able to get 
good seats at the Empire ? 

Tom. 
The Empire? Oh, yes. Well, fair. 

Felicia. 
[^JVear the door,] Mother is quite excited about it. 

Tom. 
So am I. 

Felicia. 
She has not been inside a theatre since father died, 
a year ago. We will dine promptly at seven. Good- 
bye. [She turns.] I hate to go. \She lays her hand 
on his arm,] Your confidential secretary is rather 
pretty. 



34 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Is she pretty ? 

Felicia. 
Oh, if you haven't noticed it. Good-bye again. 
Dinner at seven, then the theatre. \_Exit, 

Tom. 
\Watches her off."] Good-bye. Theatre tickets! 
How did I happen to let myself in for that ? \_IIe 
woefully takes some change out of his pocket and 
counts ity shaking his head,'] I say, Bobbie ? [Robert 
comes up to him.] Huh ! I'm in a hole — mebbe you 
can help me out. Will you ? 

Robert. 
[^Efithusiastically.] You bet, if I can. Anything. 

Tom. 

Do you happen to have your last week's salary on 
you ? 

Robert. 
[Sadly.] No, sir. 

Tom. 
You haven't spent it all ! That's extravagance. 

Robert. 
No, sir, I haven't spent it. 

Tom. 
Sure you haven't got it? [Robert nods,] What 
makes you so sure ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 35 

Robert. 
'Cause you ain't paid me for last week yet, sir. 

Tom. 
Then I am in a hole — a tight little hole. 

Robert. 
I'll get you out of it, sir. I've got a scheme. 

Tom. 
\^Goes down toward Kate, as Robert goes oiit,'\ 
Keep your scheme if you haven't got the cash. 

Kate. 
\Looks up.] Have you a minute to look over this 
now, Mr. Preston ? 

Tom. 
\_GaiVy.'\ Always got time for you, Miss Carew. 

Kate. 
But those Montezuma gentlemen ? 

Tom. 

[Reading the letter.] The Montezumas ? Bobbie 
invented them. 

Kate. 
{Shocked.] Oh ! Is the letter correct, sir ? 

Tom. 
Fine. Couldn't be finer. A few little words like 
"not" and *^can" left out, that's all. 



36 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
Nonsense. I'll put them in in ink. 

{Reenter Robert. 

Robert. 
He's coming round again. 

Tom. 
Who? 

Robert. 
Mr. Jenks, the agent, don't you know 

Tom. 
When I told him I'd mail the check ! What nerve ! 
Where are you going with that suit-case, Bobbie ? 

Robert. 
\Makes gestures to Tom, who follows him to the 
back, Robert speaks in a loud whisper, '\ I'll meet 
him on the stairs with this and say that you've been 
sent for to go to Washington by the President. Fm 
taking this to the station for you. See ? 

Tom. 

\_Laughingy pats Robert on the back.'] Switch him 
on a side line. [Tom pushes Robert out and goes 
back to Kate.] How do you like it so far, Miss 
Carew ? 

Kate. 
{^Distressed,"] I don't know how to tell you, Mr. 
Preston, but I'm afraid I don't like it. 



THE PROSPECTOR 37 

Tom. 
{Worriedr)^ Tm sorry. Is it me you don't like ? 

Kate. 
Oh, no, no. I like you, but — it is so presumptuous 
in me to form any judgment at all, but 

Tom. 
It's the business — is it? [Kate /^^^i*.] I tzw doing 
it on a shoe-string, that's a fact. 

Kate. 

I feel that I cannot be of use to you in these 

\She hesitates. 

Tom. 
In these schemes. You needn't be afraid to use 
the word. Some of 'em are way back in the shade, 
but I want you to believe that I'm fairly honest. 

Kate. 
Fairly? There aren't degrees in honesty. 

Tom. 
Aren't there? Honesty is like eggs; there's the 
strictly fresh, they come high, and the twelve for a 
quarter kind. 

Kate. 
Your honesty isn't the latter, I feel sure. 

Tom. 
Perhaps it wasn't when I quit Kankakee, but in 
New York if a man gets away with the goods he's 
honest. 



38 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
\Distressed.'\ Oh, no, I won't believe you're like 
that. If you were you could have taken Miss Kelso's 
money without hesitation. 

Tom. 

It's different with strangers, isn't it? Nobody 
forces them and they pay for their look in. 

Kate. 
\_Doubtfully,'\ I suppose they do. 

Tom. 
\More confidently. \ They accept the risk. The 
cards don't always come up the right way even when 
they're stacked. 

Kate. 
Good players don't stack the cards, do they? 

Tom. 
No-o. But I ain^t playing with children. The men 
I'm up against have a card or two up their sleeves 
most of the time. 

Kate. 
It's all horrid and I wish you weren't in it. 

Tom. 
\Persiiasively.'\ So do I. But don't quit me, will 
you? 

Kate. 
Why, I've scarcely begun. You don't care? 



THE PROSPECTOR 39 

Tom. 
Yes, I do care. Please stay ; sit down again. 

Kate. 
I will, to prove that I don't think as you imagine I 
do, — of you. 

Tom. 
We're going to be life-sized bankers, you know, if 
Shede gets hold of the coin. \Re'enter Walter. 

Walter. 
Count on me ; my aunt in Philadelphia keeps money 
in her bedroom ! 

Tom. 
Back again, Walt ? 

Walter. 
I've a few minutes before my train, and I want to 
talk to you Hke a Dutch uncle. 

Tom. 
Fire ahead. 

Kate. 
\Rises and goes to ^^ privaie^^ door.'\ You'll want 
the room to yourselves. \She throws door open and 
reveals a closet.'] Oh ! \_She bursts out laughing and 
closes door.] Mr. Preston. 

Tom. 
\_Comes to her.] Yes? 

Kate. 
[^Opens door wide, laughing.^ The private office. 



40 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
\^Crestf alien, '\ You find me out all round, 

Kate. 
Forgive me. If everything was as harmless as that, 
though you did nearly asphyxiate Bobbie, — Mr. Mc- 
Gowan. Now, I'm going to leave you to yourselves. 
How much time do I have for lunch ? 

\_She puts on coat and hat ; Tom helps her. 

Tom. 
Take all the time you want. Take an hour. 

\He opens hall door for her, Walter watches, 

Kate. 
Twenty minutes will do. [Kate off. 

Walter. 
Do you know who she is ? 

Tom. 
You do. 

Walter. 
The daughter of Arthur Carew, once a famous 
architect. He's gone down, I don't know why. For 
a year he was a regular customer of my bucket shop. 

Tom. 
That accounts for her coming here. 

Walter. 
I'm afraid so. He would get on the wrong side of 
the market. 



THE PROSPECTOR 41 

Tom. 
Does she know her father is gambling ? 

Walter. 
I bet she does. 

Tom. 
I don't. Say, Walt, she's a 

Walter. 
{Goes over to wash-stand. '\ A jim dandy. 

Tom. 
Shut up. I was going to say an angel. If our 
banking scheme goes through I tell you she's to be my 
stenographer ! 

{Enter Robert. He doesnU see Walter. 

Robert. 

Here you are, Mr. Preston. Three tickets for the 

Empire theatre — and 

\He hands tickets and a pawn ticket to Tom. 

Tom. 
Good boy ! Where did you make the raise? 

Walter. 

I*ve got to be off if I make my train. Where's my 
suit-case ? 

Tom. 
Get Mr. Shede his suit-case, Bobbie. 



42 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
\Points to ticket in Tom's hand.'] YouVe got it 
there ! 

Tom. 
Where ? A pawn ticket ? You hocked it ? 

Walter. 
[Catches him.] You little devil ! 

Robert. 
[Protesting,] Mr. Preston had to have the money, 
and I thought 

Tom. 

That boy won't be an office boy very long. He's 
a bird. 

Walter. 
A jail bird ! 

TOM. 

Here, Bobbie, you take this ticket, and Walt, 

go with him and redeem it. 

Walter. 
I'll have to, but I call this a den of thieves. 

Tom. 
If you ever do a thing like this again, Bobbie, I'll 
pay your wages and discharge you ! 

Walter. 
If I thought that you two had arranged this flim- 
flam between you 



THE PROSPECTOR 43 

Tom. 
Hurry up, Walt; you'll miss your train. [^Exeunt 
Robert and Walter.] I'll have to take that kid in 
hand ; he's too smart ; 1 wonder if my example, — no ? 
\^He walks down and looks at Kate's typewriter,'] 
We'll turn a new leaf to-day, Bobbie and me. If 
there's anything in a fellow he'll try when he gets a 
chance, — to reach the level of an honest man. And 
to-day I believe I got my chance ! 



curtain 



ACT II 

SCENE. — The reception hall at the house of John 
Carew, two weeks later. It is stately y with tapes- 
tried walls ; at back are two arches, one leading 
out to the house door, the other y r., shows the stair 
leading to second story. Left is a large hall table y 
covered with planSy blue prints y etc. Over it an 
architectural drawing framed, A telephone on this 
table. Right is a grate and below thisy r., a door 
leading into the dining-room. The furniture y which 
is scanty is of carved oak. The time of day is 
noon, 

\_As the curtain rises y the hall door-bell is heard 
a?id a Maid enters from r., crosses to hally 
opens door and takes letters from invisible 
postman. She comes back into the rooniy 
pauses at foot of stairway y listens y shakes 
her heady then goes out and puts letters on 
the tray on hall table. Stands a minute 
examining themy then as the door at the 
head of stairs opens y she crosses quickly and 
exits by door r. Enter Kate, on stairway. 
She descends y goes to hall table and picks up 
letters. 

Kate. 

\Smiling,'\ From my employer! \She opens and 

reads. '\ ^' Of course we miss you dreadfully. I trust 

your father will soon recover for his sake and all our 

sakes. The business is suffering — but don't let that 

44 



THE PROSPECTOR 45 

worry you. If I can do anything down-town for you 
or your father be sure you give me the chance." 
\Looks up,'\ Isn't Mr. Preston a dear ? I hope he 
will succeed — I'm sure he will — he has a head — yes, 
and he has a heart too ! \She looks at another letter. 1^ 
The Charlton Construction Company ! I suppose I 
ought to open this. [She does so and reads aloud."] 
** Mr. Carew: Sir: — Why don't you answer our 
letters ? The money due on the job has got to be 
paid and no two words about it. I'll thank you for 
our check. The Charlton Construction Company." 
I wrote them myself that father was sick ! [She goes 
to pick up ^ phone, looks at letter. ~\ i6i Cortlandt. 
[She calls this number and speaks in the ^ phone."] 
Charlton Construction Company? Is Mr. Charlton 
there ? Will you tell him that Miss Carew called up 
to say that his letter has been received and her father 
is too ill to attend to it ? What is that ? Mr. Charlton 
does not believe that Mr. Carew is ill ! Why — why 
— how dare he think such a thing? If he wishes 
he may call up Dr. Manning — my father's physician, 
Dr. Hugh Manning, to confirm it. No, Mr. Carew 
cannot come to the 'phone. Don't you understand, 
he is seriously ill ! [ While she has been 'phoning, the 
hall bell has rung and the Maid has admitted Tom. 
He stands near the archway holding his hat, while 
Kate concludes the 'phone conversation. The Maid 
goes out R. Kate turns.] Oh, Mr. Preston ! 

Tom. 
I wish I had him here. 

Kate. 

Who? 



46 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
What's the matter with that fellow on the other 
end? 

Kate. 

It is about a payment on the Amherst building, for 
which my father is the architect. This is a firm of 
sub-contractors. They want their money. 

Tom. 
How much is it ? 

Kate. 

A little less than five thousand dollars. They have 
written repeatedly. Their last letter just came. I 
can't show the letter to my father, — I don't know 
what to do. 

Tom. 

Stand pat. 

Kate. 
You mean ? 

Tom. 

Don't do anything. When you haven't got the 
money, stand pat. 

Kate. 
They think the money has been paid in to my 
father ; even if it has I am powerless. 

Tom. 
Stand pat, I tell you. 



THE PROSPECTOR 47 

Kate. 
They doubt me when I tell them father is ill. 

Tom. 
Doubt you ! Suppose I go to see them ? 

Kate. 
I couldn't let you do that. 

Tom. 
Did you get my letter ? 

Kate. 
I have just read it. Thank you so much, Mr. 
Preston, for saying that you will keep my — position 
open for me. 

Tom. 
Keep it open — I'd keep it open for a year if I had 
to. Take your time, take all the time you need, only 
I hope your father will soon be better. 

Kate. 
He's not so well to-day. The doctor is with him 
now — I'm afraid — he's worried. 

Tom. 
Doctors are always worried. That's normal. 

Dr. Manning. 
\^Opens door on stairs and calls, '\ Miss Carew. 

Kate. 
\_Goes quickly to stairs,'] Yes, Doctor — at once. 



48 THE PROSPECTOR 

Dr. Manning. 

[Coming down.'] The nurse is with your father. 
I'll come down. \_He comes downy holding a small 
bottle in his hand which he conceals as he sees Tom.] 
Pardon me. I thought you were alone. 

Kate. 
Mr. Preston, Dr. Manning. Is there any change ? 
Is father still in a stupor ? Oh, Doctor — you alarm 
me. 

Dr. Manning. 

Don't be alarmed. I wanted to ask you a ques- 
tion — but I can wait. 

Tom. 
I'll get out. 

Kate. 
No. Tell me at once, Doctor. What is it ? 

Dr. Manning. 
{Produces bottle.'] It's this 

Kate. 
That bottle? 

Dr. Manning. 
I haven't seen your father for a year. I don't 
know whether he has formed the habit of taking this 
as a sedative. 

Kate. 
\_Takes the bottle.] Yes. He has taken this several 
times 



THE PROSPECTOR 49 

Dr. Manning. 
Regularly — do you know ? 

Kate. 
Not regularly, I think, but often. Oh, what is it ? 

Dr. Manning. 
Uni-m — it's probably not serious. If he's been ac- 
customed to this no harm has been done. The nurse 
just found this bottle and I couldn't tell. 

Kate. 
\Pa5sing him.'] I must go to my father at once. 

Dr. Manning. 
Don't go up just now. You have reassured me. 
Mr. Carew will sleep this off as he has probably done 
before 

Kate. 
\_Turns,'] Oh, are you positive? 

Dr. Manning. 
I think so. To be on the safe side, I'll have some 
strong cojffee made. 

Kate. 
[Starts to dining-room.] I'll make it at once. Ex- 
cuse me, Mr. Preston ? 

[Tom bows. Kate exits. 

Dr. Manning. 
Are you a friend of Carew's? 



so THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom 
Never saw him to my knowledge. 

Dr. Manning. 
Ohl 

Tom. 
But I'm a friend of Miss Carew's. Is there any- 
thing I can do? I'll do anything. 

Dr. Manning. 
His daughter tells me he has been laboring under a 
double disadvantage for a couple of years ; bad health, 
bad business. That has worried him, naturally ; and 
I presume, without Miss Carew's knowledge, he has 
had recourse to chloral. If he has he'll wake up all 
right, but if he hasn't and took an overdose — the 
minute he wakes up he's got to drink strong coffee — 
quarts of it, and I'll have to walk him up and down 
the room. Can you help me ? 

Tom. 
All day, if you like. When will you know ? 

Dr. Manning. 
He'll rouse himself soon now. All I can do is to 
watch, but the presence of another man here is help- 
ful. We'll come round. 

Tom. 

If you think that tell her so. Tell her even if you 
don't think so. 



THE PROSPECTOR 5 1 

Kate. 
\Re'enters.'\ Jennie is making the coffee as strong 
as possible. Do you want it now, Doctor ? 

Dr. Manning. 
I wouldn't wake your father. Tm going up to 
watch him. The coffee may not be needed. 

Kate. 
Doctor, you are not keeping something back ? My 
father is not in danger ? 

Tom. 
Dr. Manning just reassured me. 

Kate. 
Tell me the truth. 

Dr. Manning. 
My dear child, don't I tell you ? There's no cause 
for alarm. 

Kate. 
But you won't leave him ? 

Dr. Manning. 
\^0n the stairs."] I'll stay till he wakes up. [^Looks 
back.] By the way, I have asked your friend to stop. 
He will explain. \^Exit, up the stairs. 

Kate. 

How very strange ! 

Tom. 

What's strange? 



52 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
The doctor, who doesn't know you, wants you to 
stay till my father wakes up. Oh, he's keeping some- 
thing from me ! 

\Siarts to go to stairs, Tom takes her arm 
gently. 

Tom. 

I say. Don't you see why the doctor asked me to 
stay? 



Kate. 




No. 




Tom. 




I bribed him. 




Kate. 




You bribed— Dr. Manning ! 




Tom. 




Yes. I said if he'd fix it so I could have a chat 


with you, I'd give him my trade. 




Kate. 




Oh! 




Tom. 




I want a chat with you. 




Kate. 




On business ? 




Tom. 




Well — partly. 





THE PROSPECTOR 53 

Kate. 
\SmUingJ\ How is business? 

Tom. 
[^Cheerfully.'] Never better. You'll notice some 
great changes when you get back. Shede is in the 
firm. — We're bankers and brokers now — Axminster 
carpets — roll top desks — fine offices 

Kate. 
Private office ? 

Tom. 
The president's. That's me. You'll sit there 
with me. 

Kate. 
Excuse me. 

Tom. 

You won't I 

Kate. 
It isn't quite big enough for two. 

Tom. 
Oh, that— closet ! That's cut out. You won't 
know the place. I've come across at last. 

Kate. 
I'm so glad. 

Tom. 
Good. 



54 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
For selfish reasons, Tm your stenographer. 

Tom. 
Did you think I'd forgotten that? But I always 
wanted to ask you — what gave you the idea of getting 
a job down-town ? 

Kate. 
That's such a long story. 

Tom. 
I like long stories when you tell them. 

Kate. 
For two years — yes, longer, I have had a feeling of 
insecurity — I knew dad was doing badly — everything 
went wrong with him, and I thought — why should I 
be a drain on him? We always lived very quietly — I 
had no particular society — so l determined to make a 
little income of my own — even if it wasn't much. 

Tom. 
We'll have to boost that salary of yours. 

Kate. 
You misunderstand me. I mean I had a much less 
sum in my mind. Besides, Robert Emmett told me 
you'd never pay it long. 

Tom. 

He did, eh ? I'll discharge that young Irishman 
when I get down-town. 



THE PROSPECTOR 55 

Kate. 
Please don't say a word to him, for my sake. 

Tom. 
Well, then, I won't, for your sake. You know, 
Miss Carew, 1 \He pauses. 

Kate. 
Yes? 

Tom. 
I'd do a whole lot for your sake. 

Kate. 
You have been very kind. 

Tom. 
I wanted to get in right, and \^pause\ I can be a 
pretty good friend if I try. 

Kate. 
I feel sure of it. 

Tom. 
If you ever need one, you give me a chance to prove 
it. You see — you've made a big hit with me. 

Kate. 
Havel? 

Tom. 
Tremendous. I don't know whether it's reciprocal 
or not, but that doesn't make any difference. 



56 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
Oh, but it does make a difference, and if I know 
what you mean, I can say that you've made a hit with 
me, too 

Tom. 
Miss Carew, when I said I'd come across, I didn't 
mean to boast — but you take it from me, I'll get my 
bite of New York yet. 

Kate. 
Yes, I feel sure you will succeed. 

Tom. 
I came here from Kankakee pretty hungry — and 
New York didn't start by inviting me to banquets ; 
but the town's waking up a little now. Before long 
I'll have a house — well, like this, and maybe it will be 
a home for me. 

Kate. 
I hope so. 

Tom. 
I wouldn't stay in it a minute alone. I wouldn't 
dare. 

Kate. 
You wouldn't? 

Tom. 
I'm too nervous — I'd hear things — on the stairs, 
you know, or in the walls, — mice or rats. 

Kate. 
Is it as bad as that ? 



THE PROSPECTOR $7 

Tom. 
This — this is a tough bit I'm up against. I could 
dictate it all right. You haven't got a machine here, 
have you ? 

Kate. 
No, I haven't. 

Tom. 
Let's pretend you have, and that I'm dictating. 
See? I'll recapitulate. There was the hit; you re- 
member that? 

Kate. 
Oh, yes. 

Tom. 
And the fact that I'm going to set my teeth in New 
York at last. 

Kate. 
You cannibal ! 

Tom. 
Then my home, the house I couldn't stay in alone, 
you know. Put that down. 

Kate. 
Go on. 

Tom. 

Go on ? It seems to me all I have left is to add, 
''Wishing you every success, I remain yours truly." 
Got that straight ? 



58 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
I never could write that letter. 

Tom. 
No ? I could type it out with one finger. What I 

want to know, Kate, is this 

[Dr. Manning appears on stairs. 

Dr. Manning. 
Is Miss Carew there ? 

Kate. 
\_Eagerly,'\ Yes, Doctor, I'm here. 

Dr. Manning. 
\_Cofnes part way down.'] Will you bring the coffee 
now, please? 

Kate. 
Yes, yes. Is my father awake ? May I go to him ? 

Dr. Manning. 
Only the coffee, if you don't mind. 

Kate. 
\^Going,'\ Instantly, Doctor. Oh, — I'm so relieved ! 

[She goes out. 

Dr. Manning. 

[Comes to foot of stairs.] Mr. I forget your 

name. 

Tom. 
Never mind, — forget it. What can I do to help ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 59 

Dr. Manning. 
She mustn't come up for a while. Keep her down 
here. Do you understand ? 

Tom. 
Is her father — very bad ? 

Dr. Manning. 
I don't know. Tm trying an experiment. There 
is a change in his breathing 

Tom. 
Get ! I hear her. 

Dr. Manning. 
Don't let her come up 

Tom. 
Not if I have to hold her ! 

[Reenter Kate; carries tray with coffee-pot, 
cupy etc, 

Kate. 

Here, Doctor, is the coffee. May I take it to my 
father ? 

Dr. Manning. 
No, my dear. Wait here. 

Kate. 
But I can't. I must come up. 

Dr. Manning. 
\Takes tray."] Not yet. You'll obey me — you're a 
brave girl. 



60 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
Hasn't father asked for me ? 

Dr. Manning. 
I will call the minute I need you. 

\He goes up and off. 

Kate 
What did he say to you ? 

Tom. 
Eh? 

Kate. 
Is my father in danger ? 

Tom. 
Wouldn't he tell you before he'd tell me? 

Kate. 
But what did he say ? 

Tom. 
Asked me about the market. 

Kate. 
Really? 

Tom. 
Wanted to know if there was anything good laying 
around loose in the street. 

Kate. 
{^Immensely relieved.'] Oh, then there can be noth- 
ing serious. I was afraid \Pause ; she listens,'] 

What was that ? Did you hear it ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 6l 

Tom. 
Sounded like a cat. Have you got a cat ? 

Kate. 
No. 

Tom. 
I didn't know but you had one. I've never been 
here before — it's all strange to me ; perhaps I seem to 
you like a stranger. 

Kate. 
Oh, no. 

Tom. 

If I thought I did I would put on my hat and light 
out. 

Kate. 

Please don't. 

Tom. 
Do you want me to stay ? 

Kate. 
You cheer me up. Please stay. 

Tom. 

This may not be the time and the place to resume 
my dictation, but if you will be so good as to take it 
down 

Kate. 
{Absent-mindedly J\ Take what down ? 



62 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Where are your notes? 

Kate. 
I don^t know what you are talking about. Begin at 
the beginning, please. 

Tom. 
\Injured.'\ When I had got as far as Kate ! 

Kate. 
Yes — you had got as far as **Kate.'' I didn't 
notice it then, but by the way, how did you get as far 

as ^^Kate"? 

Tom. 
That's so ; how did 1 ? 

Kate. 
Well? 

Tom. 
Yes — I — I — was just going to tell you 

Kate. 

Is it the custom in business offices to call the stenog- 
rapher by her first name ? 

Tom. 

They will do it sometimes — in Wall Street. But — 
don't misunderstand me — not unless it's perfectly 
agreeable to the stenographer. 

Kate. 

And if it isn't then they call her — as, for instance, 
— Miss Carew ! 



THE PROSPECTOR 63 

Tom. 
Certainly, Miss Carew. 

Kate. 
That's better in business, don't you think? 

Tom. 

Yes, of course, in business, — but this isn't busi- 
ness. 

Kate. 
Isn't it ? 

Tom. 
It's a blame sight harder than any business I ever 
undertook, and I've been up against some pretty tough 
propositions. I say, Miss Carew. 

Kate. 
Yes, Mr. Preston ? 

Tom. 
You're surely coming back to the office as soon as 
your father's condition warrants it ? 

Kate. 
I shall be so glad to come back ! 

Tom. 
Then — I guess I'll dictate the letter after you get 
back {^Hall bell rings, 2 There's somebody any- 
how ! 

Kate. 
IJVervously,'] Oh, I wish it didn't ring so loud ! 



64 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Shall I go, Miss Carew ? 

Kate. 
Will you please before they ring again ? [Tom gots 
to hall door ^ off. Maid opens door down r."] Mr. 
Preston has opened the door, Jennie. 

[Maid goes out r. Voice raised angrily off r. 

Charlton. 
Tve heard that guff before. [Tom's voice heard ex- 
postulating,'] Let's see you keep me out ! 

[^Enter Charltoi^ of the Charlton Construction 
Company, He keeps his hat on, 

Tom. 

He beat me out, Miss Carew, before I could use the 
strangle hold. 

Charlton. 
You're Miss Carew, are ye? Where's your father? 

Kate. 
Are you Mr. Charlton ? 

Charlton. 
IC/gly.'] That's me. Where's your father — the 
architeck ? 

Kate. 
I called up your office, but you had gone, to tell 
you Mr. Carew is very ill. 

Charlton. 
I've heard that before, too. 



THE PROSPECTOR 6$ 

Tom. 
Keep still. 

Charlton. 

Eh ! What the devil ! 

Tom. 
Keep still. Miss Carevv, will you permit me to 
conduct this interview ? 

Kate. 
Will you, Mr. Preston ? And explain to this gentle- 
man — I will go up to my father. 

\_She starts toward stairs, Tom interposes. 

Tom. 
I beg your pardon. 

Kate. 
What is it, Mr. Preston ? 

Tom. 
I wish you wouldn't go up now 

Kate. 
[^A/armed.'] What do you mean? 

Tom. 
You ought to be within call, you know. I may 
need you to explain something to me. Will you 
please wait in there ? \_Foints to dining-room, 

Kate. 

Perhaps you are right — but 



66 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

Please wait in there. \He takes her to dining-room 
door R. ; shows her in. Shuts door and turns r^ Now 
before I begin with you, Charlton 

Charlton. 
Who are you, anyways, and what are you buttin' 
in for ? Are you a arch-i-teck ? 

Tom. 
\_Coming to him.'] Before I begin with you — isn't 
there something you've forgotten ? 

Charlton. 
[Turning square around.] What ? 

Tom. 
[Knocks off his hat,] That. 

Charlton. 
Say — young fellow ! 

Tom. 
That was a lady you saw, who just left the room. 

Charlton. 
I guess you're right. I forgot. I ain't no pig — but 
damn it [raises voice], a man has got some rights ! 

Tom. 
Ssh ! Say what you came to say, but don't raise 
your voice. I won't have it. 

Charlton. 
Like hell you won't ! 



THE PROSPECTOR 6/ 

Tom. 
\Faces him squarely.'] No, Charlton, I won't. Do 
you understand ? 

Charlton. 

I guess I do. 

Tom. 

That's right. There's a sick man up-stairs — a man 
so dangerously ill his physician dare not leave his 
side for a minute, and out there is his daughter who 
doesn't know how sick he is. Say what you have to, 
then, as quietly as you know how, without disturbing 
either of them. 

Charlton. 
[Lowering his voice.'] If I knew who I was sayin' 
it to. 'Tain't a pretty story for anybody but a mem- 
ber of the family. 

Tom. 

1 am 2i member of the family. 

Charlton. 
That's all right then. There's a crew of men down 
the street that's after me for their money, and Carew's 
got it. I come up here to make him or somebody 
give up. Are you the feller ? 

Tom. 
You're on the Amherst job, I believe. 

Charlton. 

For two weeks Carew has been puttin' me off and 

puttin' me off. It's the owner's final payment, and on 

last Saturday Carew swore to me he hadn't got his 

check — he lied ! [^He raises his voice slightly. 



68 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Keep it down. 

Charlton. 
[Getting excited.^ I know he lied — Fve seen the 
owner. Carew had his check on the fifteenth ; to- 
day's the twenty-ninth. The men are hounding me, 
and by God, sick or no sick, I've got to have my bit. 

Tom. 
You41 get it — don't worry. 

Charlton. 

l^Louder.'] Soft words don't go, young feller — soft 
words is what Carew the arch-i-teck has been feeding 
me on for two weeks. ** I'll be around in a couple of 
days, Charlton," says he. Mush ! My stomach 
craves solid food — it wants hard cash ! The men 
wants their bit — I want mine. 

Tom. 
How much is it ? 

Charlton. 
He's got the figgers, an' I've got the figgers — there 
they are. \_Pro duces a pamphlet of figures In typed 
manuscript.'] The job's been passed on. There's 
Carew's fist to the bill — a little less'n five thousand 
plunks. Now, I want to see it on a certified 
check 

Tom. 
Is it due ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 69 

Charlton. 
Due — it's overdue — fourteen days overdue — I tell 
you! Oh, you can't get no time off me. I know 
your tricks — I know Carew's. I've had men on him, 
— he's been down in Wall Street — in the bucket shops 
— and they've done him ! I've found it all out lately ; 
if I'd known it before I wouldn't a-took a job off him 
— no, by God, I wouldn't. 

Tom. 
You can't talk like that here — no ! 

Charlton. 
\Loudly,'\ I'll say it everywhere — I'll tell the people 
of this town that he's a gambler — Carew is a swindler 

— a damned — ugh — r 

[Tom clutches him by the throat, 

Tom. 
Didn't I warn you? 

Kate. 
[ Opening door of dining-room,'] What is it ? Oh, 
Mr. Preston, is there any trouble ? 

Tom. 
{Releases Charlton at the sound of her voice and 
pats him on the shoulder. ~\ Why, no, Miss Carew ! 
Mr. Charlton and I are beginning to understand each 
other nicely. Won't you please leave us to finish our 
little conversation ? 

Kate. 
Certainly ; but I thought I heard 



^0 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

Not at all. A few minutes longer, Miss Carew. 
[Kate goes into dining-room and closes door.'] You 
understand me ! Give me those figures. Here's my 
card. I'm Mr. Preston, — president of that concern. 
You stand by and listen. It will cheer you up. 
[Tom ca//s up his office over the ' phone. "] iii John, 
please. Is Mr. Shede in? Connect me, please. Is 
that you, Walter ? Have a check drawn up to the 
order of the Charlton Construction Company — amount 
\reads from paper~\ four thousand, nine hundred and 
eighty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents. Have it 
certified. Charlton will call! What's that? Draw 
it anyway. What's that? Gee whiz — I forgot all 
about them. I say, Walter, fix it up for me. Tell 
Mrs. Kelso and Miss Felicia that I was called to Mr. 
Carew who is seriously ill. Nothing less could make 
me forget my engagement to take them to luncheon. 
All right, put her on. Miss Kelso, I'm awfully dis- 
tressed, — will you forgive me? I'm at Mr. Carew's — 
he is very ill — very — sent for me. Do you under- 
stand? Oh, I say, Felicia, has your mother planted 
that five thousand dollars yet ? She asked me to in- 
vest it for her. Now, I've got the very thing. I 
meant to explain it to her at lunch. No-o — it's a 
building operation — got to work quick. Have your 
mother make out her check now and leave it there for 
me. I'll see her about the details. Oh — twelve per 
cent, at the very least ! Sure thing ! Thank you. 
Good-bye ! [Tom puts up * phone and gives sigh of 
relief."] Who says the Lord doesn't take care of his 
own! [^Turns to Charlton.] Now, Charlton, we'll 
soon fix up your business ; call there \_points to card 



THE PROSPECTOR 7 1 

in Charlton's hand^ at three o'clock, and you'll get 
a certified check for your bit ! 

Charlton. 
\Feeling of his tie which Tom ruffled.'] If I do, I'll 
stand the price of a necktie. I'm indebted to you, 
Mr. Preston, and I hope you ain't going to think the 
worse of me, but the job's been passed on, and there's 
the men 

Tom. 
All right, Charlton — but your business here is 
finished, isn't it ? 

Charlton. 
I wish you'd tell that young lady what made me 
forget my manners. You see I wouldn't like her to 
think I always act like a pig. I've got a gal of my 
own — turned eighteen, — oh, she ain't up to Miss 
Carew's style — you can bet she's the real thing. 

Tom. 
I'll tell her. 

Charlton. 
You're going to marry her, I guess ? 

Tom. 
The boy guessed right. 

Charlton. 
Say, you're in luck ; she's a fine young lady, and 
if you'll believe me, I hope her father, the arch-i-teck, 
will soon be up again and about 



72 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

Thank you, Charlton; you*d better go now, hadn't 
you ? 

Charlton. 
As soon as you give me that con track — Fm only 
waitin' for that. 

Tom. 
\_Who looks at the pamphlet. 'I So this is the con- 
tract as well as estimate. Let's have a look at the 
payment clause. 

Charlton. 
\^Confused.'\ Never mind that now — you've made 
everything O. K. 

Tom. 

\Running over the dates. '\ Why, you — you've been 

up to a little sharp practice, Mr. Charlton. This 
gives Mr. Carew till the thirtieth to make the final 
payment. To-day's the twenty-ninth. 

Charlton. 
He never waited so long before. Besides what's 
twenty-four hours? Pshaw ! 

Tom. 
I've known the day when twenty-four hours was a 
lifetime. But I'd like to tell you that a man who 
will make a row at another man's sick bed for money 
that isn't due is, in my opinion, a kind of skunk. 

Charlton. 
I don't give a damn for your opinion. 



THE PROSPECTOR 73 

Tom. 
I don't suppose you do. Well, take your contract 
and clear out. 

\_Re turns pamphlet.. Dr. Manning moves down 
the stairs, speaks in a low and tremulous 
voice. 

Dr. Manning. 

Where's Miss Carew? 

Tom. 
What's the matter ? Her father ? 

Dr. Manning. 
Worse than I feared — he never woke up. He took 
the whole bottle — he's gone. 

Tom. 
Dead! 

Dr. Manning. 
Dead. 

Charlton. 
[^Loudly,'] Killed himself, did he? 

Tom. 
Who says so ? 

Charlton. 
I say so. Didn't I hear the doctor? 

Tom. 
[Concentrated,'] I've told you where your money 
Is ; go and get it. 



74 THE PROSPECTOR 

Charlton. 
\LoudlyJ\ Maybe it's there — maybe it ain't; how 
do I know ? How do I know but you're a bluff like 
old Carew? Ain't I on? He's robbed me, ruined 
me — and now he's killed himself to get out of it — the 
damned defaulter ! 

Dr. Manning. 
Ssh ! Miss Carew ! [Kate enters, 

Kate. 

I heard this man call my father What does 

he mean ? 

Tom. 

Nothing, nothing. [/« a harsh whisper. "^ If I get 
my hands on your throat you'll never speak again ! 

Charlton. 
\Backing toward hall door.'\ Well — by 

Tom. 

[/« the same tone,'] Don't talk Clear out ! 

IJjTe stands ^vatching Charlton off. The 
hall door slams. 

Kate. 
What was it he called my father ? 

Tom. 
He's got his money ! 

Kate. 
Oh! 



THE PROSPECTOR 75 

Tom. 
On my honor. And that saves your father's. 

Kate. 
\^Clasping her handsel Oh, thank God ! \She 
crosses to Dr. Manning.] May I go to father now ? 

Dr. Manning. 
You tell her. 

Tom. 
\Turns half away ; mutters.'] Not on your life ! 

Kate. 
Mr. Preston ! Doctor ! What is it ? Doctor ! 

Dr. Manning. 
[Sadly.] We did what we could. 

Kate. 
yin a whisper,] My father is gone ! [Dr. Man- 
ning bows solemnly, Kate covers her face.] 

Oh \She goes to Tom.] Was it what he owed 

that man that killed him ? 

Tom. 
No, no — your father has paid that and everything ! 
It's death — my little girl-— death, but nothing worse 
than death ! 

[Kate staggers and Tom catches her in his arms 
and holds her up. 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 

SCENE. — T:^^ president's office of the U, P. 6- P. 
Banking Co,, a month later. It is the same room 
seen in Act /, but now elaborately fitted up. A 
Turkish rug, a glass-topped mahogany desk dow?i 
L. j near it a small desk for the private stenog- 
rapher. There are handsome pictures on the wall, 
desk telephones on both desks. The door ^narked 
^^ private'' is the same as in Act I. At opening of 
act it is closed. Time, ten a. m. 

[Robert enters from private door and crosses 
to desk, carrying a basket of letters which 
he puts on the president' s desk. He looks 
over the desk, opens the drawer, finds a 
cigar box, takes one, smells approvingly and 
puts it carefully in a cigar case which he 
takes from his pocket. He is overdressed 
in what is his conception of the height of 
fashion, a very high collar, diminutive tie, 
patefit leather shoes, etc. He goes to the 
stenographer' s desk, touches keys 07i the 
typewriter reflectingly and sighs deeply. He 
is thinking of Kate. Walter's voice heard 
from other room. 

Walter. 
Mr. Preston ! Mr. Preston ! [Robert sits down 
quickly at desk and appears to be absorbed. Enter 
Walter.] Hasn't the president come in yet, Bobbie ? 

76 



THE PROSPECTOR 77 

Robert. 
No, sir. He ain't due for ten minutes yet. 

Walter. 

Let me know as soon as he comes in, there's a good 
boy. 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. [^He stops Walter, who is going back to 
the outer office. '\ Mr. Shede ! [Walter turns, \ I 
beg your pardon, sir, but I 

Walter. 

No advances till the first of the year. 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. But I aiJi the oldest clerk in the office, 
ain't I? I mean, I was here before the others came. 

Walter. 
I believe you were. 

Robert. 
How about calling me Mr. McGowan ? Bobbie's 
such a kid name ! 

Walter. 
I'm agreeable, Mr. McGowan, and I'll try to 
remember. 

Robert. 
If you please, sir. And, Mr. Shede ? 

Walter. 
Well? 



78 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
If you'd just speak a word to the others about 
it 

Walter. 
You don't mean that the other clerks call you 
Bobbie ? 

Robert. 
Ain't they got a nerve? 

Walter. 
Force of bad example — they don't mean any disre- 
spect. 

Robert. 
{Adjusting his collar. '\ I dunno about that ! 

Walter. 
Is that all? Mr. McGowan ? 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. 

Walter. 
Then give my message to Mr. Preston as soon as he 
comes in. 

Robert. 
Sure. I mean certainly. [Walter laughs and goes 
out, Robert touches a button. An elderly clerk 
enter S.I Huh, is that you, Perkins? You'll do as 
well as the cashier. Mr. Shede wishes me to say to 
the clerks in the office that they was to quit calling me 
Bobbie. I'm the longest here and the bosses think it's 



THE PROSPECTOR 79 

a bad example. Mr. McGowan from to-day, Per- 
kins. Understand ? \The cUrk bows, Robert walks 
solemnly to the president' s desk, picks up a paper ^ 
seems to be absorbed in it. Glances at clerk, who 
stands near door.~\ I forgot you, Perkins. You 
needn't wait. Mr. McGowan, See? \^Clerk bows 
and exits. "] Those guys will quit having fun with me. 
\_There is a tap at the door l. from the hall."] Well, 

who has got the — gall ? {^Tap repeated; he goes 

to door and opens it. Enter Felicia.] Miss Kelso ! 

Felicia. 
Is Mr. 

Robert. 
This is the president's room. Nobody ever comes 
in here ! 

Felicia. 
Is he in? 

Robert. 

The president don't get up with the whistles. Can 
I do anything for you ? 

Felicia. 

Perhaps you can. I've heard something that dis- 
tresses me. It's about Miss Carew, the typewriter 
person, you know. 

Robert. 
What about Miss Carew ? 

Felicia. 
Does she come here now ? 



8o THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
\SadlyJ\ Nope, she don't. 

Felicia. 
[Suspiciously.'] Are you quite sure? 

Robert. 
Ain't been here since her father died. 

Felicia. 
I feel so relieved, for then it's probably not true. 

Robert. 

What? 

Felicia. 
I've heard that her father's affairs were in a dreadful 
tangle — that in fact he would have been arrested as an 
embezzler if he had lived, and that this firm paid the 
amount over and saved his reputation. It sounds un- 
likely that New York bankers should do so much for 
a favorite employee, and if, as you say, she isn't an 
employee any longer — you do say that, don't you ? 

Robert. 
Yes. 

Felicia. 
I for one don't believe the rumor. Where would 
this firm, such young bankers, get the money for an 
act so ill-advised, so silly ? Has Mr. Preston em- 
ployed a new typewriter ? 

Robert. 
Yes*m. 



THE PROSPECTOR 8 1 

Felicia. 
Where is she ? 

Robert. 
'Tain't a she, Miss Kelso, it's me. 

Felicia. 
Really ! I think that's ever so much better. I 
don't believe in woman typewriters. 

Robert. 
No? Don't you? 

Felicia. 
They're always making mistakes. Tell Mr. Preston 
I stopped in. I was in the neighborhood on business 
for my mother, and perhaps I'll call him up about, — 
what time does he take for luncheon ? 

Robert. 
He don't scarcely never go out to luncheon nowa- 
days; he's too busy. We have some sandwiches 
sent in for him and me. 

\She goes to door l. Robert /^^/^ze/i* her, 

Felicia. 

Then merely tell him I called ; \laughs\ you might 
say to him that I am at the Surrogate's office ; he can 
'phone me there. \_She goes out, 

Robert. 

\_Closing the door behind her, '\ Yes'm. Don't be- 
lieve in woman typewriters, don't she? They're al- 
ways making mistakes? If Miss Carew turns to be 
a thousand she'll never make the kind of mistake that 
one's made. \_Enter Tom. 



82 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Hi there, Mr. McGowan. What are you muttering 
about ? 

Robert. 
You've seen Mr. Shede, ain't you? 

Tom. 
No, but Perkins told me that the office was to call 
you Mr. McGowan hereafter. You'll have to live up 
to the name. 

Robert. 
\_Joyfullyr[ I'll do that, trust me I 

Tom. 
Didn't I hear a woman's voice in here, didn't I, 
Mr. McGowan? 

Robert. 
Yes, sir; Miss Kelso. 

Tom. 
\^Whistles.'\ Oh, Miss Kelso. Miss Kelso, eh? 
\^He sits down at his desk. He opens his mail,'] 
Well, what did Miss Kelso want ? 

Robert. 
She'd heard some kind of lying yarn about Miss 
Carew 

Tom. 
What? 

Robert. 
\_Going toward door,] The typewriting person she 
called her. 



THE PROSPECTOR 83 

Tom. • 
Um — the typewriting person ? What was the 
yarn? 

Robert. 
Said that Miss Carew's governor was a defaulter, 
and that everybody'd know it if you hadn't squared 
things. 

Tom. 

Now how the devil ? Where are you going ? 

Robert. 
Mr. Shede wanted to know the minute you came in. 

Tom. 
Very well. On your way through ask the cashier 
to draw a check to my order for five thousand dollars, 
and a month's interest at six per cent. Get it certi- 
fied right away and bring it here to me. I'll need a 
messenger. 

Robert, 
Yes, sir. 

Tom. 

I'll send you. 

Robert. 
[Offended.'] Me! 

Tom. 
This is confidential business, Mr. — ah, — McGowan, 
and I'll have to ask you to go as a favor to me. 



84 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
\Goes out.'] Then of course I'll do it. 

Tom. 

[ Continues to read his mail and shakes his head. 
He starts to write a letter, Walter efiters.^ Hulloa, 
Walt. Whats the good word ? 

Walter. 
We're up against it, old man. See this statement ? 
\^He brings paper to Tom, who looks at it, 

Tom. 
What about it ? 

Walter. 
There's our bank balance. 

Tom. 
You couldn't build a subway with it, could you, 
Walt ? Any checks in ? 

Walter. 
Half a dozen ten dollar checks on some of your 
old pink balloon shares. Nothing to speak of. 

Tom. 
What's going out ? 

Walter. 
The securities hypothecated with the Chemical ; 
we've got to take them up to-day. 

Tom. 
That's eleven thousand dollars ; bank balance is four 
hundred dollars shy. Anything else? 



THE PROSPECTOR 85 

Walter. 

We have to make good on the Delaware Railway 
shares — investment shares too. 

Tom. 
Um. We'll stave off the Chemical for twenty-four 
hours. 

Walter. 
Can't be done. 

Tom. 
Who says so ? I'll see the president, then send our 
check over for the Delaware shares and raise money 
on them. 

Walter. 
You forget that our check will have to be certified. 

Tom. 
Certified. I'm sick of the word. It kills all 
initiative. How can a man do business when every 
check he puts out is nailed down with a bank cashier's 
certificate ? 

Walter. 

Cold-blooded, New York. We may manage to 
skin through, Tom, that is provided you don't do any 
plunging. 

Tom. 
Plunging ? Not me. 

Walter. 
Close figuring and no checks out, — that's our pro- 
gramme to-day. \^Enter Robert. 



86 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Sure thing. Count on me. What is it, Bobbie — 
Mr. McGowan, I mean ? 

Robert. 
It's the check for five thousand dollars, sir. 

Walter. 

What's that? A check for five thousand dollars 
when I just told you 

Tom. 

Wait a minute, Mr. Shede. \He signs his name to 
the back of the check. '\ Copy this letter for me, Mr. 
McGowan. [Robert does so at letter copier ; brings 
him letter ; Tom puts it in envelope, addresses envel- 
ope and gives it to Robert.] Here, Bobbie, you put 
on your hat and get this up to that address right 
away. 

Robert. 

Yes, sir, 

Tom. 

Here's a form of receipt to get signed. Bring it 
right back here. 

Robert. 
\^Going!\ Yes, sir. \Exit, r. e. 

Walter. 
That cuts our bank balance down to fifty-six hun- 
dred dollars. Did you have to do it ? 

Tom. 
I did it. 



THE PROSPECTOR 8/ 

Walter. 
Couldn't it wait ? 

Tom. 
Maybe it could. 

Walter. 
What's the meaning of this, Preston? We're on 
egg-shells, and you know it. 

Tom. 
I've got my egg-shell skates on to-day. 

Walter. 
Twenty-five thousand dollars in obligations to meet 
to-day, less than half that in the bank, and you draw 
a check for five thousand dollars. 

Tom. 
I drew it to pay a debt of honor. 

Walter. 
Honor ! You make me sick. 

Tom. 
What do you mean by that ? 

Walter. 
If you owe anybody a debt of honor it's me. 
That's what I mean. 

Tom. 
Ain't I making your fortune? 

Walter. 
[Taps the balance sheet, '\ This looks like it. 



88 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Go and take a drink, old man ; you're nervous. 

Walter. 
I realize where we're at if you don't. 

Tom. 
Spirits of ammonia will soothe your nerves. 

Walter. 
To-day will wind us up, and I don't care ; I'm 
tired of this bluff, this banking on a bob-tail flush. 

Tom. 
Have the drug clerk mix it with plain soda. 

Walter. 
Oh, you, you ! What have you got to lose? Noth- 
ing — you can go back to your pink balloons — per- 
haps one of them will fly one day. But this was my 
last chance; I can't get any more capital; if this 
game breaks up, my family is through with me. Oh, 
I ain't blaming you — you've done things, but you 
can't work miracles. Only money does that these 
days. 

Tom. 
All through ? 

Walter. 
I guess there isn't any more to say. 

Tom. 
I guess there is, and I'll say it. This business is 
not going under to-day or ever. We're here to stay. 



THE PROSPECTOR 89 

The day will come when these New York banks will 
take our check at nine in the morning without rushing 
round to certify it at ten. You admit I've done some 
things. Yes, sir, I have, and I'll do more. I've got 
my nails in the cracks and I'm climbing up; I ain't 
going to slip back, not one inch. So brace up, Walt, 
old man ; take a deep breath and dig your nails in 
tight ! 

Walter. 

\HopefuUy.'\ What's your scheme? 

Tom. 
I don't know yet, but don't forget I'm a prospector. 
I didn't loosen up much gold out there in the West, 
but I got the swing of the pick, and when I came to 
New York I brought the old pick along. We need 
about twenty thousand dollars to pull us through to- 
day. Well, give me my pick and I'll go out and 
break up twice that joy dirt. 

Walter. 

But how — how? There's not a bank will take our 
paper. 

Tom. 
You don't know these New York bankers. They'll 
tie up their capital in any man's note without security, 
if he goes at 'em good and hard. Trouble with us 
we don't want enough. What's twenty thousand dol- 
lars? I'll make it fifty for a rainy day and get it 
twice as quick. Watch me ! 

Walter. 
I wish I had your nerve. 



90 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

There's your mistake; 'tisn't nerve, it's the instinct 
of self-preservation and some gratitude. You gave me 
my chance, Walt, old man, — you set me on our little 
wagon, the U. P. & P., and gave me the reins to hold. 
I ain't just holding the reins, I'm driving ! 

\^He starts toward private door. 

Walter. 
Do you think you can get the cash ? 

Tom. 
Get it? When it's lying round in a thousand safes 
not half a block from here ! 1 don't think, I know 
I'll get it. Where's my pick? 

yrhe two men go out by private door, Sound 
of key being turned in the hall door. Enter 
Robert, showing in Kate, in mourning, 

Robert. 
Another minute and I'd 'a' missed you. 

[Kate looks round, 
Kate. 
I wouldn't know the place. 

Robert. 
Scrumptious, ain't it ? Like it ? 

Kate. 
I don't know. I'm homesick. 

Robert. 
Tell you the truth, I don't like it as much as the 
old days either. Of course I get my pay more regu- 
lar, but I ain't a director in anything any more. 



THE PROSPECTOR 91 

Kate. 
\^Goes to new desk.'\ This is where my machine 
used to be. 

Robert. 

What do you think of that for a desk ? 

Kate. 
{Examines the Chippendale affairJ\ It's quite ele- 
gant. I don't see how anybody could work at it. I 
couldn't. Does the new stenographer sit here? 

Robert. 
There ain't none. 

Kate. 
No? 

Robert. 
He wouldn't have another one. Guess he's kinder 
hopin' you'll come back. I pick out all his letters 
with one finger. 

Kate. 
Oh, poor Mr. Preston ! 

Robert. 
You are coming back, ain't you, Miss Carew? 

Kate. 
I don't know, Bobbie. I think not. 

Robert. 
Come on ! 

Kate. 
Are you tired of one finger exercise ? 



92 THE PROSPECTOR 

Robert. 
Tain' t that 

Kate. 

\Taking off her haf.] I almost wish I were com- 
ing back; I think it would make me feel better to 
have some work to do. Isn't there something I could 
copy for Mr. Preston while I'm here? 

Robert. 
[A/ presidenf s desk.\ He ain't opened his mail 
yet, so I don't know exactly what he would answer 
first. 

Kate. 
Are there no inquiries about the Rug Company, or 
the Potato Company, or 

Robert. 
Huh — most of them are smashed. Anyways, we 
don't bother about them. We was pikers then. We're 
bankers now. 

Kate. 
Yes, we mustn't forget that we're bankers now. 

Robert. 
\_Shows letter.'] What do you suppose I got in here ? 
Check for five thousand dollars. Mr. Preston wrote 
it just as easy as I'd buy a penny paper. 

Kate. 

\_Looks at envelope."] How queer it seems that Mr. 
Preston should 



THE PROSPECTOR 93 

Robert. 
[^Interrupting.'] Give up the dough? Mr. Shede 
wouldn't do it; he can't loosen up; but Mr. Preston 
is built that way. Money ? He don't care no more 
about it than if it were old shoe laces. Say, will you 
be here when I get back ? 

Kate. 
Oh, I don't think so, Bobbie. 

Robert. 
Oh, hang around — I won't be gone long. All I 
have to do is to deliver this here letter and get a re- 
ceipt. Say you'll be here. I'll rap on the door and 
you let me in. [Points to hall door, 

Kate. 
[Smiles.'] Perhaps. It all depends. 

Robert. 
If it depends on him you won't never get away. 
That's him now. Good-bye — don't say you saw me. 
[Robert goes out by hall door. Enter Walter. 

Walter. 
Why, it's Miss Carew. 

Kate. 
[Rising,] Yes, Mr. Shede. 

Walter. 
Have you seen Mr. Preston ? 

Kate. 
I am waiting for him. Bobbie let me in. 



94 THE PROSPECTOR 

Walter. 

I see. Mr. Preston is out — prospecting ! He is 
likely to be occupied all day. Is there something I 
can do ? 

Kate. 
This isn't a business call. I am in the way, I fear. 

Walter. 
Not at all, not at all. Is everything going smoothly ? 
I mean about your father's affairs. There, I beg your 
pardon. 

Kate. 
\^Who has shown distress.'] Mr. Preston has seen 
to everything, and relieved me of all worries. He has 
been so kind. 

Walter. 
Trust Tom for that. He's never so busy but he 
can find time for his friends. Just now naturally he 
is loaded up to the muzzle — seeing he has to give so 
much attention to Miss Kelso. 

Kate. 
Has he? Why? 

Walter. 
I haven't any authority for saying it, but that's a 
case all right. 

Kate. 
Do you mean they are to be married ? 



THE PROSPECTOR 95 

Walter. 
Tom hasn't taken me into his confidence, but Fve 
seen them together. That's enough. It will be a 
good thing for Preston ; she's pretty well fixed. 

Kate. 
If Mr. Preston is so busy perhaps I had better not 
wait. 

Walter. 
Sit down again. Don't run away. Tom would like 
to see you. Do you feel like coming back in your old 
position ? 

Kate. 
[Putting on her coat."] The purpose of my call was 
to tell Mr. Preston I have given up that plan. I am 
going to live with my aunt. 

Walter. 
I see. Um — well — V\\ tell him for you. 

Kate. 
Thank you ; I will write to him. I ought to write 
to congratulate him. 

Walter. 
I wouldn't do that. It's only a shrewd guess of 
mine, but I hope it will come off for Tom's sake — he 
needs the money. [ Telephone on desk rings, Walter 
picks it up and listens, '\ I'll be out at once. \He sets 
it down and turns to Kate.] Pardon me for running 
away, Miss Carew. It's a client. You can let your- 
self out by that door. {Points to hall door. 



96 THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
I am going at once. Good-morning, Mr. Shede. 

[Walter bows and exits by private door, 

Walter. 

Good-morning. 

[Kate starts to put on her hat. There is a rap 
on the hall door. She puts hat on Tom's 
desk J goes to hall door and opens it. Enter 
Felicia. 

Felicia. 
You here 1 

Kate. 
[Surprised.'] Oh, it's Miss Kelso. 

Felicia. 

I expected to find Mr. Preston. They told me • 

Kate. 
I think Mr. Preston is not in. 

Felicia. 
They told me you were not employed here now. 

Kate. 
I am not. 

Felicia. 
Too bad, for I suppose you find it necessary to do 
something. I have heard that your father left his 
affairs very much involved. 

Kate. 
You have been misinformed. 



THE PROSPECTOR 97 

Felicia. 
Mr. Preston sent for you, of course. He is very 
tender hearted. 

Kate. 
He is kind. 

Felicia. 
He did send for you, didn't he? 

Kate. 
No. 

Felicia. 
Oh ! In that case. Miss Carew, I think you made 
a mistake in coming back. The loss of your father 
has left you quite alone in the world and an unpro- 
tected girl can't be too careful. 

Kate. 
What do you mean ? 

Felicia. 
You know very well. At any rate it is hardly deli- 
cate in you to come back here. 

Kate. 
You're talking in riddles, and I'll have to ask again 
what you mean. 

Felicia. 
Why, I have heard that your father had misappro- 
priated funds in some business or other to pay his 
gambling debts. 

Kate. 
Oh I 



98 THE PROSPECTOR 

Felicia. 
And that Mr. Preston came to his rescue, paid the 
money and protected his reputation. I have been in- 
formed that the latter is not true, but there's the 
rumor — and in consequence your name is sure to be 
coupled with Mr. Preston's in a way you wouldn't 
like. 

Kate. 

I do not know why you say these things to me — 
about my father. They are utterly false. 

Felicia. 
I'm sure I hope so. 

Kate. 
Your tone shows that you do not hope it. But I 
don't care. We are strangers and likely always to be. 
Besides my father left too many good friends who 
know him well and respected him for his integrity — 
his unimpeached honor ! 

Felicia. 
\Laugh5.'\ It's too ridiculous to apply such words 
to an embezzler ! 

Kate. 
I will not stay and listen to you. 

Felicia. 

You'd better ! Such things may be covered up, 

but they are known. Your father had used money 

belonging to a firm of constructors who were just on 

the point of bringing action against him, when for- 



THE PROSPECTOR 99 

tunately for himself he died. The facts remain just 
that black, although somehow the five thousand dollars 
was found and the scandal hushed up. 

Kate. 
\Staggers.\ Five thousand dollars! 

Felicia. 
Yes. 

Kate. 

[^Glancing toward typewriter.'] Five thousand dol- 
lars. 

Felicia. 
The amount is so large that Mr. Preston couldn't 
afford to provide it. [She sees Kate's/(3:^<?.] But he 
did ! You know he did ! I see it in your face. 

Kate. 
\^Covers her face.] No — you don't. 

Felicia. 
I see very well that he did, somehow, because you 
begged him to do so, and I remember — oh, yes, I can 
put two and two together — I remember that he took 
that very amount from my mother. He 'phoned for 
it from your house. Oh, what a fool I've been. 

Kate. 
It isn't true, it isn't true. 

Felicia. 
It is, I tell you. I see it now plainly. In order to 
save your father's reputation you have forced your — 
your lover to commit a crime ! 



lOO THE PROSPECTOR 

Kate. 
Mr. Preston is not my lover \Pause, 

Felicia. 

\Scornfidly.'\ Don't pretend to be so innocent. 
Don't you know it is a crime to take money for an 
investment and apply it to your own use ? The law 
has an ugly name for that. If you don't know what 
you have done I'll tell you — you have made Tom 
Preston a swindler ! 

Kate. 
Oh, no, no ! There is some mistake, some dreadful 

mistake. 

Felicia. 
There's no mistake and you know it. 

Kate. 
Oh, what shall I do ? What can I do ? 

Felicia. 
If you will do what I advise, this never need come 
out. My mother is easy-going, she has plenty, she 
can wait. Put on your hat and coat, leave this office, 
don't see Mr. Preston again. 

Kate. 
I never want to see him again, and yet I must ! 

Felicia. 
Why see him ? It would distress you both. I will 
see him for you ; tell him what you know. You are 
not involved legally and your father is beyond the 
reach of law. 



THE PROSPECTOR lOI 

Kate. 
My poor father ! But I could not be so cowardly. 

Felicia. 
\Sharply.\ Look here ! There is no other way for 
you. Either you quit this office before Mr. Preston 
knows you are here and give me your promise never 
to see him again or / will give Mr. Preston the chance 
to tell what he's done with my mother's money. 

Kate. 
It was her money ! 

Felicia. 
If you don't go I will, and Til go straight to the 
office of the District Attorney. 

Kate. 
You would not ! 

Felicia. 
Mr. Tom Preston, the prospector, will then be ac- 
commodated with a call. Are you going ? 

Kate. 

\_Nervotisly snatching her hat.'\ Yes, yes 

\^Enter Tom; he stands in the private door, 

Tom. 
What's your rush ? 

Kate. 
Mr. Preston! 

Felicia. 
[T^c? Kate.] Why don't you go? 



I02 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
\Coming down,^ I've kept you ladies waiting. I 
hope you enjoyed yourselves. 

Kate. 

\_With a burst of fee ling. '\ Oh, I'm glad you've 
come. She says — she has said dreadful things about 
my father ; declares you knew them, and that to save 
his reputation you have — you have put your own in 
danger. If it is true, I am grateful to you, oh, so 
grateful — but I can't stay any longer to tell you so. 
I am — I am going ! \She starts toward door, 

Tom. 
\^He takes her hand.'] Not yet. Not before I un- 
derstand the reason for this gratitude. What is it ? 

Kate. 
Please let me go now. She will explain. 

Tom. 
I don't quite know what Miss Kelso can explain, 
but let her fire away. 

Kate. 
I want to go first, please. 

Tom. 
{^Retaining her hand.'] What's keeping you? 

Kate. 

You are. 



THE PROSPECTOR IO3 

Tom. 
Oh, this ! \He holds her hand a little tighter and 
turns to Felicia.] Now, Miss Kelso, I've persuaded 
Miss Carevv to remain. What are the dreadful things 
you have found out about Miss Carevv' s father and 
that you have had the good taste to repeat to her ? 

Felicia. 

For your own sake I think you had better listen to 
me alone. 

Tom. 
Sorry, but I don't agree with you. 

Felicia. 
How did you use the money you got of my mother ? 

Tom. 

Oh, that ? Was that the subject of your conversa- 
tion? 

Felicia. 
How did you use it ? 

Tom. 
Doesn't Mrs. Kelso know ? 

Felicia. 
She shall know. 

Tom. 
Um, well, yes, as it was her money I suppose she's 
entitled to a look in. Did she send you here to ask 
me that question ? 



I04 THE PROSPECTOR 

Felicia. 
Why don*t you answer it ? 

Tom. 
It might degrade me. 

Felicia. 
I will answer it for you. You used that money to 
bolster up the reputation of this girl's father, who, be- 
cause he was threatened with exposure as an em- 
bezzler, killed himself. 

Kate. 

[ With a cry of agony wrenches her hand free J\ My 
father ! 

Felicia. 
Poisoned himself like the detected thief that he was ! 

Kate. 
It is a lie ! 

Tom. 
Sh ! There ! There, let her talk 

Kate. 
You were there, you heard ; it was accidental. Dr. 
Manning Oh, stop her, stop her ! 

Tom. 
I always like to let a lady talk ! 

Felicia. 
You can't deny it ; you know it's true. 



THE PROSPECTOR I05 

Tom. 
You've been reading dime novels, Felicia. That's 
it, dime novels. 

Felicia. 
You can't stop me now. There is only one way 
you can stop me and that is by confessing freely that 
you got money from my mother by offering her an in- 
vestment, a building project; 1 recall it now, and you 
applied that money to pay her father's debts 1 

Tom. 
The ten cent plot thickens. 

Felicia. 

This is what has upset Miss Carew, — in the kindest 
spirit 

Tom. 
Tm sure it was the kindest spirit. 

Felicia. 
I showed her that by coming here she would give 
substance to the rumor — I promised that if she would 
do her part I'd persuade my mother to take no action. 
Otherwise 

Tom. 
Yes, I heard you. You were going to the District 
Attorney, to apply for a prison cell for poor Tom 
Preston. 

Felicia. 
Exactly. Right is right. 



I06 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 

So it is — in the West. This is New York. 

Felicia. 
I was weak perhaps to make that promise, but we 
had long been friends 

Tom. 
Such good friends 1 

Felicia. 
Your attitude now makes me feel how wrong it is to 

compromise with evil. 

Tom. 
Yes, you'd better let me go to the Tombs and take 
my punishment. 

Kate. 
Does it mean, Mr. Preston, that what she says is 
true? 

Tom. 
Now, please, Miss Carew ; it's Miss Kelso's turn. 

Felicia. 
I've said all I've had to say. You can take your 
choice. 

Tom. 
When the alternative is jail it's easy enough to 
choose. 

Felicia. 
Then perhaps you will permit Miss Carew to carry 
out her promise by going, and we two can talk this 
affair over sanely. 



THE PROSPECTOR 10/ 

Tom. 
When the rope is around a fellow's neck he has to 
keep step. 

Felicia. 
\^Cros5es to Kate.] You hear, Miss Carew? I'm 
sorry to have appeared so beastly, but the truth is the 
truth. Won't you shake hands? 

Kate. 

No. 

Tom. 
Bully. 

Kate. 
I know the things you have said about my father 
are — lies, and I suspect what motive made you say 
them. But until you admit it you cannot expect me 
to take your hand. 

Felicia. 
{Shrugs, 'I Oh, as you please. 

Tom. 
{Goes to Kate.] You'll shake hands with me? 

Kate. 
{Offers her hand.'\ Yes, Mr. Preston, I wish, — but 
no matter, I know you meant to be kind. Good- 
bye. 

{She turns toward hall door, Tom watches 
her. 



I08 THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
Miss Carew — ^just a minute more. [Kate turns.'] 
I want to find out if Bobbie, Mr. McGowan, is here. 

Kate. 
\_Clasps her hands,'] Oh, he went with that letter ! 

Tom. 

[Picks up ^ phone and speaks into it,] Is Mr. Mc- 
Gowan back yet ? Just coming in ? Send him here 
to me. \_A pause, 

Felicia. 
[Tartly J\ I don*t know why you are detaining Miss 
Carew. 

Tom. 
I believe she knows. 

Felicia. 
[Suspiciously,] Don't forget what rests with me. 

Tom. 
[Meekly,] I can't forget that it is in your power to 
send me to the Tombs. I'm resigned. 

Felicia. 
You are ! 

Tom. 
Unless I can work on your sympathies. I've heard 
it was tough in the Tombs. Bad air, bad smells. 

Felicia. 
Oh, if you feel like jesting. 



THE PROSPECTOR 109 

Tom. 
Send me a few flowers occasionally, won't you, 
Felicia, while I'm locked up? 

Felicia. 
Ridiculous. 

Tom. 
I suppose you've got an officer outside. 

Felicia. 
It won't take long to get one. 

Tom. 
That's right. Bluecoats are thick as blackberries. 
Do you mean to keep me locked up long, Felicia? 

Felicia. 
That depends on yourself — and on my mother. It's 
her money you've misappropriated. 

\^Enier Robert. 

Tom. 
Where have you been ? 

Robert. 
I went to deliver that letter to 

Tom. 
Did you find the person in ? 

Robert. 
Yes, sir. Here's the receipt you wanted. 



no THE PROSPECTOR 

Tom. 
\Looking at //.] Good. You can go. 

Robert. 
Something's up. \Exit. 

Tom. 

{^Opening his copy book.'\ Miss Kelso, Fm afraid 
your honorable intentions toward me, — they were hon- 
orable, weren't they? — have been frustrated by your 
mother. 

Felicia. 
What's that you say ? 

Tom. 
I did take five thousand dollars of her money at her 
request and yours for the purpose of investing it. So 
much ril confess — isn't that the right word ? Here 
is the letter I sent her this morning. I'll read it. 
**My dear Mrs. Kelso: — I regret that I have been 
unable to get the investment I had hoped to obtain 
for you. When you placed the money in my hands 
the time seemed favorable for a profitable use of it, 
but matters have since assumed a different phase. I 
beg to return herewith the five thousand dollars to- 
gether with interest for one month at six per cent. 
Thanking you for past favors I remain, Yours very 
truly." \He looks up."] And here's your mother's 
receipt for the return of the money with interest. 

Felicia. 
You're very smart, Mr. Preston; you've got out of 
it this time, but the day will come 



THE PROSPECTOR III 

Tom. 
I know. All the good men can't keep out of jail 
always. But this time I'll keep out. Now, we needn't 
detain you any longer, Miss Kelso. Then Miss Carew 
and I can talk this affair over sanely. 

Felicia. 
Oh, very well. 

Tom. 
{^Goes to herJ\ This turn won't prevent me from 
shaking hands. That don't bind a man. 

Felicia. 
Excuse me. 

Tom. 
Oh, as you please. Before you go, I wish to state 
in your presence, since you raised the question 

Felicia. 
What? 

Tom. 
I wish to state solemnly in the presence of Miss 
Carew and you that Miss Carew's father died— owing 
no man anything, least of all me ! 

Kate. 
Oh, thank God ! 

Tom. 
\^Goes and opens hall door,'\ So good-day, Miss 
Kelso, and be sure to thank your mother for her 
timely receipt. If she ever wants a nice little invest- 
ment 



112 THE PROSPECTOR 

Felicia. 
\Pas5ing him,'\ I'll be sure to recommend you, 
George Washington ! [She goes out, 

Tom. 
[Closes door.'\ He never told a lie ! [Goes to his 
desk.'] VVhy have you got on your hat, Miss Carew? 
'Tain't lunch time, is it ? 

Kate. 

I don't know — I Oh, Mr. Preston, you've 

done so much for me — I don't know how to show 
my gratitude. 

Tom. 
You might show it by helping me with my corre- 
spondence — I'm way behind the lighthouse. 

Kate. 
I don't believe I could ; I've been so shaken 

Tom. 
[/// a business tone. ] Take off your hat and write 
one short letter for me, short but awfully important. 
Will you? 

Kate. 
[Takes off her hat.] I— I will. 

Tom. 

[Sits at his desk and picks up letters.] There's a 
good girl. Now while you're putting the paper in 
I'll tell them outside that I'm not to be disturbed. 
[He picks up desk 'phone.] Perkins? No one is to 
come in here for fifteen minutes; I'm particularly en- 



THE PROSPECTOR II3 

gaged. Understand ? \^He sets 'phone on desk and 
turns to Kate who is ready to write at her machine, '\ 
Shall we begin ? [Kate «t?r/i- / he dictates, '\ My dear 
Miss Carew : [Kate looks up ; he spells the 7iame.'\ 
C-a-r-e-w. You may be astonished when you re- 
ceive this to learn that I have been in love with you 
from the first moment that I saw you. [Kate stops 
and starts to rise.'] Am I going too fast for you ? 
No ? Go on. I love you with my whole heart and I 
will never be a happy, contented or successful man 
until you say you care for me in return and promise 
to be my wife. If you can say it I'll be all three — 
quick ! If you do not care for me now you may feel 
like taking a chance a little later. Thanking you for 

past favors, I remain [Pause.] If you bring it 

to me, Miss Carew, I'll sign it now. [A little pause 
accentuated by the tapping of the machine. Kate 
draws out the sheet of paper and goes slowly with it 
to the desk, Tom takes it.] Finished so soon ? 
Good! \He reads letter carefully.] Thanking you 

for past favors ! \^He rises.] Must I put it in an 

envelope, Kate? [Kate shakes her head.] May I 
seal it ? 

[Kate does not answer. Tom takes her in his 
arms and kisses her ; as he does so the 
'phones on his desk and Kate's begin to ring 
loudly. Walter's voice outside private 
door calls : '' Mr. Preston.'' Knocks re- 
peated on hall door. The lovers pay no 
heed, but stand locked in each other's em- 
brace. 



curtain 



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UP TO FREDDIE. 

A Farce-Comedy in Two cAds* 
By FRANCES £• KENYON. 

Three male, six female characters. Costumes, modern ; scenes, an interior 
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Grenville Lodge. An amateur play-wright, the innocent victim of his own 

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John Stanhope. Who starts the game^ best friend to Lodge, and one who un- 
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Marguerite Burnett! One who catches and is caught, also a young j^er son 

'"'■ who really and truly knows her oion mind.'^ 
Mary Stanhope. Sister to Jack. ^ Four fair 

Patty Huger. A fascinating Southerner. arid 

Dorothea Chisholm. Timid and tender-hearted. > shifty- 
Leonore Crowninshield. Dignified and averse minded 
to mosquitos. J maidens. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Lodge's Room at College. Courtship in theory. How it works. 
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Act II. — The Old Arbor in the College Yard. Courtship in practice. How 
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Costumes modern. 



BY WOMAN'S WIT. 

A Sketch in One c/lct* 
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He and She. 1 male, 1 female. 

His Liucky Day. 2 males, 1 female. 

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Marie's Secret. 2 females. 

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No Men Wanted. 3 females. 



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Unexpected L.egacy. 1 male, 2 fe- 
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Introducing Music and Trancing* 

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By NEWELL BENT. 

Four male, two female characters, all intended to be played by men, as in 
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A Comedy in Trvo Acts for Female Characters only^ 
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Fourteen female characters, and " supers," if desired. Costumes, modern, 
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r AjUlf f p Drama in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. ' Gos- 
vAiulUI^Ii tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 

IVItAMAP ^^y ^ ^^^^ Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
lilUvlUiiA Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. 



MAW ^TIIADT Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- 
HiiilVI ^lUAAI males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the 
period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE S.«?^^«^?^I; Sir. 

picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

WirHFI IFH ^^*y ^ ^^^® '^^*^' ^fteen males, two females. Scen- 
l\lvllLMl4l' ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full 
evening. 

THF RIVAI S Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 
1 lli^ ni T AI41J Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER SS^asSi^leen^'^r. 

ried ; costximes of the period. Plays a full evening, 

TWELFTH NIGHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL iTs^^e^^aa^;,* 

three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a 
full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Walttv 1^. ^afeer & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



